Growing Spinach

Spinach is a hardy cool-weather plant that withstands winter conditions in the South. It is very rich in iron and cancer inhibiting anti-oxidants. It is best served very lightly steamed or in a fresh salad.

In most of the North, spinach is primarily an early-spring and late-fall crop, but in some areas, where summer temperatures are mild, it may be grown continuously from early spring until late fall. It should be emphasized that summer and winter culture of spinach is possible only where moderate temperatures prevail. Spinach does not tolerate high temperatures which cause it to flower and become tough and bitter.

Spinach will grow on almost any well-drained, fertile soil where sufficient moisture is available. It is very sensitive to acid soil. If a soil test shows the need, apply lime to the part of the garden used for spinach, regardless of the treatment given the rest of the area.

The application of 100 pounds (45 kg) of rotted manure and 3 to 4 pounds (1.4 to 1.8 kg) of commercial fertilizer to each 100 sq. ft.(9.3 sq. m) of land is suitable for spinach in the home garden. Broadcast both manure and fertilizer and work them in before sowing the seed. Spinach needs lots of nitrogen to make those sweet dark green leaves.

For tractor cultivation, the rows of the garden should be not less than 24 in.(60 cm) apart; when land is plentiful they may be 30 in.(75 cm) apart. For wheel-hoe or hand work, the rows should be 14 to 16 in.(35 to 40 cm) apart.

Spinach may be drilled by hand in furrows about 1 in.(2.5 cm) deep and covered with fine earth not more than 1/2 in.(1 cm) deep, or it may be drilled with a seed drill, which distributes the seed more evenly than is ordinarily possible by hand. Thin the plants to 3 or 4 in.(7 to 10 cm) apart before they become too crowded.

Harvest your spinach as you need it, using the outside leaves first. If the plant begins to flower harvest the entire plant immediately.